Friday, March 25, 2011

Always in Stitches

I have made a new knitting discovery! Why is it that while I am knitting I find myself being more chatty and, to be honest, a lot of the time, sillier. Something about knitting calms me down and helps me process a long day. But it also makes me want to chat. I think something about the rhythm and calm turns me into an even Chattier Kathy.

I also find myself laughing more and sometimes being quite goofy while I knit. For some reason, knitting works just as well as a stiff drink to loosen me up and get me having a good time. Does anyone else agree?

Broke Knitter

Thursday, March 24, 2011

One Stash to Rule All Stashes

The saying goes that you aren't truly a real knitter until you have a stash. The whole concept of a yarn stash cracks me up. Now I am not judging those of us (including myself) who have piles upon piles of unused yarn lying around, whether its the odds and ends you can't seem to part with or the plethora of perfectly bound balls we didn't think we could live without, but isn't a stash a hoard?

As someone who previously worked for an animal shelter I have seen my share of hoarders. Isn't a stash the starting of hoarding? Is there any knitter out there who cannot say that at times they haven't felt like they need more more more?!

The stash is a thing of beauty. It always fascinates me how I love to pick up more and more yarn when I probably have the perfect yarn sitting at home or at Mom's house waiting for me. I remember as a young girl going to visit some of my mother's friends from the knitting guild and being AMAZED at their knitting stashes. Some of them have whole rooms they can barely enter due to their enormous hoards of yarn. Ahh....a house full of yarn, is there a much better dream?

A stash is quite an amazing thing. Today I am offering a challenge. I would love a little contest to see who has the stash to rule all stashes. Send in your photos of your stash and I would love to see what you guys have just waiting for the perfect project!

Until Next Time
Broke Knitter

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...Cherish It!

So you are all probably pretty sick of hearing me rant about working too much. Well I am sick of it too! I am making a stand now to stop complaining about work.

Last night Jen was my "Phonathon helper" so she stayed late at work with me. We spoke to the students about some of the projects we are working on, and they were VERY excited. Two of them actually expressed an interest in learning how to knit. So I said to myself, "Self, maybe you should start a knitting group on campus." And that is what I am going to do. I know several students on campus who expressed interest last fall in starting a knitting circle, so I am making a pact to do that!

Another very important revelation came to Jen and myself yesterday - cherishing the small projects. Just because you are super busy doesn't mean you cannot find time to find success in your knitting projects. It can be very discouraging when you work on a big big project, say, a Christmas tree skirt, to feel like you are getting anywhere when you find yourself strapped for time.

Jen suggested I pick up some small, "quick and dirty" projects during Phonathon time so that I can feel accomplished. I have decided to do just that! I started a quick and easy st stitch baby blanket in Plymouth's nice and plushy "Heaven." I am using a light and dark colored purple and I am super excited to finish it up this evening.

Two day project - now that's what I am talking about!

Inspirational Message of the Day - Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...Cherish It

Sometimes you need to step back and relax. Admire the work you can complete and love every minute of every project even if it feels silly, small and dinky.

Until Next Time...
Broke Knitter

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Work Work Work All Day Long

I am so overwhelmed! Why is it that our jobs take over our lives?! It makes no sense to me. It is very frustrating that our culture is so entrenched in our careers. Have you ever noticed when someone says, "tell me about yourself" we automatically respond with our career information.

I have been working an extra week's worth of time each pay period. Knitting has become my only respite and I find myself rapidly clicking those needles each night as I process the day's events. Anyone else feel the same way?

Broke Knitter

Friday, March 18, 2011

Knitting MochiMochi

Jen gave me the CUTEST book to borrow that she picked up from designer Anna Hrachovec herself at Vogue Knitting Live - Knitting Mochmochi. This book is 20 patterns for "super-cute strange designs" from knitted alligators and chicks to even fun slippers that look like a little monster is eating your foot.

I was trying to figure out which of these I would like to make, and honestly, they are ALL adorable. For anyone looking for cute little knick-knacks to knit their grandchild or toddler in their life, please check out of a copy of this book. The designs are adorable, fun and very easy to make!

Until Next Time!
                                               MochiMochi - Broke Knitter


Thursday, March 17, 2011

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day fellow readers. Today I want to spend some time talking about two of the greatest people I ever knew, and the best knitter that ever lived. This is my first St. Patrick's Day without either of my maternal grandparents.

My grandmother was the greatest knitter who ever lived. She adored knitting. Grammy turned to knitting when she left teaching in public schools - but you know the saying - "Once a teacher, always a teacher." Very soon after she started knitting she began teaching classes. My grandmother adored teaching. I don't know if she just adored being the center of attention (something I have obviously picked up from her) or just her passion for sharing knitting with others, but she was a wonderful teacher.

She and my grandfather were so happily in love and married for more than 50 years. Without them I don't know who I would be today. My grandmother, while not only a great knitter, was also a great Irishwoman. The woman loved green, loved shamrocks and LOVED a good party. St. Patrick's Day was such a special day to them and I am sure that they are having a blast together partying these days.

St. Patrick's Day is a very special day for me because it is a day to happily remember two of the most influential people in my life. St. Patrick's Day is a day to celebrate all that they taught me. Whether it's Grampy's famous pulling his finger off trick, or Grammy's long tail cast on measurement where you HAD to touch your finder to your nose, today is a day that I am having a great time just remembering.

In their honor I am wearing (for those of you know know me..spoiler alert) my green velour jacket, my green scarf and an adorable green wool hat my mother brought back with her from Dublin. Today I will proudly get out my needles and knit knit knit thinking of the woman who started it all.

Love You Grammy and Grampy!

Broke Knitter

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Getting Ready for the Big Show

Why is it that children can wear the most adorable bright colors and people think it's cute. Then again, if I venture outside of earth tones and maybe dare a pastel I look like either:

1. A crazy person
2. A homeless person
or...
3. A crazy homeless person

Today I am missing the days of brightly knit hats that look like dinosaur tails matched with a pair of comfy tapered sweatpants. Gone are the days when you can pretend to be whatever you want to be.

I have decided that because tomorrow, St. Patrick's Day, is a day when the fools come out in full I have decided to be festive and wear all my crazy greens. Doesn't matter the shade, texture, whatever. I am going to be the cutest most festive little Irish thing tomorrow.

Until Next Time..
Party On Garth!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Book Worm

I guess it is time to admit to myself and the world again, I am not a very cool person. But it's okay. I have realized that I have never been cool, why not embrace the fact that I love knitting, cats, and of course, books.

And that is today's topic for discussion - books. I LOVE to read. Having a 3 hour commute each day leaves lots of time for knitting and reading on public transportation. To be honest, I hate the commute but at least I have some hobbies to keep myself entertained on the long trips.

Anyways, I wanted to talk about the most recent book series I just finished, the "Hunger Games" trilogy by Suzanne Collins. For those of you who like to indulge from time to time in young adult novels, this is the PERFECT set of books for you to read. I know I am off topic today, but I just had to share how much I enjoyed these books. I will warn you, they are a bit dark.



The basis of the trilogy is about Katniss, a teenage girl who lives in a post-apocalyptic America where the government controls everything in the outer districts. To quell the districts from fighting against the government, the Capital hosts the hunger games each year in which one boy and one girl from each district are sent into an arena to fight to the death. The final victor promises their district glory and food for the year.

Well, of course, Katniss ends up at the hunger games. The stories look at the morals and ethics behind the games and about standing up for what you believe in.

This is such a wonderful trilogy I just had to share how much I enjoyed it. Does anyone else have good suggestions for reading?

Until Next Time
Broke Knitter

Monday, March 14, 2011

Tardiness

Hello Fellow Knitters,
I apologize for being a bit tardy in  my posting. I am sure you were all waiting for an update on the conference. Not a knitting conference (boohoo) but still a great experience. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to finish Abby's dog sweater, but I am determined to finish it this evening! I promise to post some really cute photos as soon as I wriggle her little butt into it.

Anyways, I am going to make a baby sweater for Randy's cousin who had a baby this past winter. I was thinking of doing a 1 year age/size sweater for a little boy. Any pattern suggestions? I am open to anything!

Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

A Trip to Remember

Exciting! Jen and I have arrived safely in Providence, RI and we are excited to spend two days meeting some other development professionals and learn from some of the best. It's exciting to learn new things. I feel like I never learn anything these days.

Thank you for your suggestions for projects to bring. I brought the evil fated Christmas Tree skirt that I promise to have finished for next Christmas time. Seeing as how Randy and I just took down our fake tree (yes, in March) you can understand how much I love the Christmas tree.

Anyways, does anybody know of any good yarn stores in the Providence, RI area? If you make a suggestion by comment I promise Jen and I will go visit.

Let me know!

Broke Knitter
YAY TRAVELING!

Monday, March 7, 2011

Awaiting Inspiration

I am a very lucky girl. Very very lucky girl! I am heading to Providence tomorrow morning for a 3 day conference for work. Jen and I are very excited to get out of town and learn learn learn! Even more excited, the two of us get a chance to sit around a knit a bunch in the next few days.

However, I am having a very tough moment. I need some inspiration. What should I bring for projects? I feel so overwhelmed with how many projects I could do, but what should I do?

HELP!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer Preview

I have been thinking a lot lately about the Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer preview we saw at the Vogue Knitting Live conference. So since I have been thinking about it, I figured I would check out the preview again on the website. Click below to see the Vogue Knitting Magazine Spring/Summer Preview:


Okay, so here is my thought. These pieces are beautiful. Don't get me wrong! I just am really not feeling the whole white thing. I don't know about you, but I tend to be a smidgen on the messier side. I don't care how beautiful and sunny it is, me and white do not mix. If I am wearing white I am destined to be offered Raisinets or some Tomato based anything. It's quite embarrassing. You can dress me up, but you can't take me out.

Any other thoughts on this preview? Knitted bikinis anyone?

Until Next Time
Messy Broke Knitter


Thursday, March 3, 2011

The Spring That Never Was

So it's time that people in NYC started asking, "Where the heck is Springtime?" It's March already! Shouldn't we be getting a teeny tiny respite from this frigid weather? This morning I came to work in matching ensemble knitted hat, scarf and mittens. I must say, I did look like quite the put-together young lady.

I know that winter affords the ability to wear many a hand-made item. However, I think it is time for some warmth. Is 50 degrees asking too much? Help me out here Mr. Sunshine. I thought Mr. Groundhog said it was time for some warmth.





For giggles, here is how ridiculous the cold is...This is a photo I took when visiting my parents house this winter. Check out our "hidden key" on the front porch.






Until Next Time...
Huddled for Warmth
Broke Knitter

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Nightmare

So it has officially happened - knitting has not only penetrated my day to day activities, but my nighttime ones as well. (Oh wow, that sounded kind of sexy, but no that's not where this is going I can assure you.)

Last night I had a horrible time sleeping. I guess it was the stress after a 14 hour work day, but I digress. I finally drifted off to a peaceful sleep in which I had a wonderful dream that I was lounging on the beach with a Corona in one hand and my needles in the other. I took a nice long sip from my beer, lay back in my sun chair and began to knit. However, this is where it all went wrong. For some reason, every time I knit a stitch it just didn't do anything. I continued and continued trying, but no matter how slowly and carefully I would knit each stitch,  nothing came of it.

I thought this quite a weird nightmare. Anyone agree? Any dream analyzers that can tell me what this means?

Restless Broke Knitter

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Sweet Victory

Sweet Victory! I have done it. I have finished up my odds and ends! NO MORE UFO'S IN THIS LADY'S HOUSE! Who is surprised (and quite frankly, Mom, if you don't post here about this I might die of shock).

Seriously though, I am having such a moment of pride I can barely contain myself. This weekend I sat myself down and I said to myself, "Self, you can do it. Get rid of these last few projects you don't want to finish up."

I don't know why, but lately I have been having a bit of knitting ADD. I was so excited about all of my purchases at Vogue Knitting Live I just wanted to get going on everything! So, of course, I was a bit over my head and over zealous.

Thus the big basket of UFO's sitting in my and Randy's 1 bedroom apartment. But God bless his soul for not freaking out about the barrels of balls.

Please check out my Ravelry page (YoungPadawan) and check out how those last few items finished up. I still have a few new things to start, but I am so excited and feeling so accomplished.

Special thanks to Nicky Epstein. I LOVE her Fascinating Belle Epoque Shrug. I am actually wearing it proudly at my office today. Nothing makes a statement like red!

Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter